Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Mirror of Crows



"If you look in the mirror and don't see yourself,
then consider your lacking of your soul.
But if you look away from the mirror,
and see yourself, then you better catch your wondering soul."






Some humans think that when a person dies, a crow carries their souls to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens to a person, that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can't rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back to put the wrong things right. In true within our realm, that is not the case. But when I look around Roaringshore and see the many crows, more so when there use to be a witch that walked around the Shore, I cant help but wonder if such a fairy tale holds a bit of truth. Being a scavenger that they are, their always lingering around the many corpses as if awaiting for another. Yet even when all the flesh are picked from the bones, the crows still linger. What if...sometimes...they do carry souls to their intended destinations? Or return them to the realm of living to right a wrong.



What if...their is a soul far too troubled to reach its destination, and instead claws it's way back to it's corpse? Or does it crawl? Perhaps the fairy tales has some truth, and that a crow carries the unrested soul back to the realm of living. But even if it was all true, I question as to why even the ones deserving of death for their many sins in life, are too allowed to return? Is such a treatment fair to all? Would a man like myself also return if my death was a great sadness along with a history of great sins? My great many sins are only known to the Gods, and even though I'm not a religious man, I wonder does my actions please a particular God? Even if I dont worship them? Or does only the one I would give praise too bask in joyful glee upon seeing my list of sins?



I've notice I have avoided looking into mirrors ever since I paid a visit to Kazaiev Dovrik within his cell. His words still gnaw in the back of my head... "You are very much like me, Sel. This is why you are so fascinated. You feel the same need as I do... for perfection. This insatiable fire.... and it is consuming you." Why does looking at myself trouble me? I know my own strengths and I know my own weaknesses. Surely I don't fear myself. Unless its something else that I fear. Ah yes that...



I walk upon the world as a man with many sins, and I've always consider it perfection that no one knew of them. Yet when I look at myself, it is I that knows. It is I that sees each and every sin that I had ever committed. Is it really fear? Or is that my excuse for guilt? Or is it shame? Or am I like the crow, black of heart and feel neither wrong or right, for I am merely living out my purpose in the land of Toril, playing out my part in this realm. Perhaps that is why some people think me a man with a good heart, or a evil scoundrel. They are confused in whom I am, or rather what I am. They look upon me at face value, and see only what I want them to see, think of me what I want them to think of me. Like crows when you do something for them, they later return with a boon thinking a helping gesture should be returned. Yet they dont realize that in the end, that very crow will likely deliver their soul to where it needs to go, emotionlessly, without hesitation, for the crow is only serving out its intended purpose.



"Whether a crow sits upon a tree of sparrows or upon a tree of ravens,
it will always talk to a fox from a perch"

Unfinish Business




Somewhere in Thundar's Ride...





"Mystrans! My army will be here in minutes! You are outnumbered. You will surrender him to us."
*The threatening words yelled out that sounded like an echo of eerie winds that carried down from up top the small hill.*



*The Dreadmistress stood demanding for what she felt was rightfully hers to acquire. The Mystrans and their allies, had been been in conflict with Castus the Fallen. Yet with each attempt, rumors had said each attempt had failed by near misses. Their resolve tested, their bravery blind, they wouldn't allow unimaginable power fall into the wrong hands.*

*But Indeed, it does seem that the Zhentarim forces are breaking through the Unraveler lines in the distance!*

"We will do nothing of the sort, Tarina..."

*Zerros sneaks his way behind Castus with the Thinaun dagger, attempting to jam it into him* "No, you won't escape me!"

*A sword lifted and pointed at the sulking incoming tiefling with the dagger* "END HIM!"

*As both sides move either to attack Castus, or to stop those attacking Castus, Something happens.*

*Confusion having overwhelmed him, Castus' eyes glow viridian ... and then red*

"Corellon preserve us."

*A spirit emerges from Castus' open mouth, hovering into the sky, crimson in its Hatred. Along with it coalesce the form of his Loathing and his Contempt.*

"If you don't listen to me then listen to your own damn magister!".

F-for the..

What in Helm...

You again! I know you!

While Castus has been rendered into a state of confusion and bewilderment, the spirit of empathy that has been all this time projecting the antimagic field now emerges, unable to free itself from the cycle of hatred that still consumes it.

"Attack the spirit!" *Tarina commands to her followers, as she herself backs away and readies a spell of her own.*

Moradin! *Hits his shield with the axe and stands his ground*

*As the spirits are scattered by your combined attacks, things go silent for only a moment ... and then you see in the air as his rage begins to coalesce again. All the while Linetheil, the seer, the spirit speaker who knows the name Rahenna, who knows that what Rahenna is doing is feeding off lingering rage and hatred - she uses all the mastery of her spirit powers to project undiluted HOPE toward his Hatred! Against this wave of powerful emotion, Hatred shatters!*

*As the spirit weakens by the fighting and then by Linetheil's efforts, Tarina incants her own readied spell! She raises a blue-diamond-etched glass loverbird before her, and speaks* "Spirit, former guide of Esme, I bind you to this token of past love!" *And then the spell, trap the soul, is cast.*

*Hinzel's first attack misses and his second attack hits a fleeting image of Tarina, a result of her concealment!*

*Aska and Carwyn succeed in their counterspells attempts to stop the Dreadmistress from trapping the spirit! As Tarina's spell is countered, the Zhentarim host in the distance sounds a warhorn! They have broken the Unraveler line and are charging to regroup with Tarina!*

*Tarina hisses and stumbles backwards as the spell's energies shatter and collapse.* "The gods curse you all!" *she snaps in anger.* "Zerros!"

The Zhentarim host is too large for those in the area to fight directly, they will overwhelm and subdue anyone who they catch!

Let's get out of here.

Now's a good time for that teleport!

*The Dreadmistress activates one of her scars. For a moment, the sigil glows red, and then the spell is cast. And a Dimension lock spell prevented all possible teleportation attempts.* "No one escapes!" *She sneers.*

*As the Zhentarim host moves toward your position, they are suddenly met by the appearance of a swarm of elementals! Their march is further delayed as they are met by mercenaries and guardsmen as well as Harpers!*

Some say, the ultimate quest was accomplish for some, while others had failed. But one thing sure that many would had agreed, was the aftermath was not without chaos. Everyone had their agendas compelled by what they believe was righteous or what they believe to be for power and even evil. The Fallen submitted to the Maystrans, The Dreadmistress of Darkhold angered by the teasing taste of glory that did not come. Some had likely celebrated and cheered, while others were seething at the teeth. But I wonder...do people really understand the consequences of their actions? What took place, surely drew a very thick line of solidified alignments. Some will soon come to know the error in their decisions, some may even die. If there is one thing for sure that truly took place..it is that of a new conflict for the coming days. Every action has a reaction, for every cause, there's an effect. A new war between good and evil...





Had just begun.


But while that begins to brew in the minds of those that knew better..I will heading back to Amn for one last unfinished business. I grow tired of feeding an extra mouth. The Mystrans got Castus either to redeem him or make him face justice. The person I have, will surely be facing justice. In my opinion..



We square.

Where Ye Be?



*The thick fog shrouded the village as the lone man walked towards the ramshackle of a market in Roaringshore. While he was engaged in some business, he was met with a familiar voice , one with mirth. Surely not one of the Shore, but one he would consider an acquaintance or even friend, and one he likely could trust who has embarked on a sea voyage with him once before , seeking lost treasure after having to sail through a dangerous storm by trusting in a magical compass.*



"But ..if I need ... The others helps, yer willin?"

"You thinking of goin' out and takin a look?"

"Some of the locals that had set sail, nae return.
Something amiss so I lookin to gather some interesting folks,
and investigate whats happenin and why ships nae returnin"

"Mmmhmm yeah sign me up!"

With the recent murmurs and rumors that was spreading around Roaringshore in regards to missing ships, or ship wrecks with no living crew, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. I was no experience sailor, and some only call me a Captain merely because I have my own ship. Was I really ready? I've been on sea travels and voyages a couple of times before. But that was for business, or hunting for lost treasure. This time, the elements was different. Something or someone was out there at sea , and was responsible of why some of the ships were not returning to port. I've lived in the Shore for three years, I've serve the locals their drinks. They all know whom I am, but barely know who they all are. But regardless, their all my patrons, and patrons bring business. And like it was taught to me years ago, it was a transgression to the village of pirates when outsiders attack one of our own. Does my urge to investigate, or my feeling to cease this threat to the locals , indicate I too really am now part of this village that I've come to admire and even love? Am I truly now feeling what it means to be a pirate? Can I even make a difference in this matter I wonder.


"It was the great beast from the other night. I saw it from atop the piers of the Roaringshore, around midnight. Yes!"

"Wot sort of beast?'"

"A great black thing, glinting with a scattering of red eyes all over.
A colossal creature, as long as the shore.
As it shifted in place, it turned the tide, and flooded the lower docks."

"Thats a big beastie.."

"I can fight a little bit? And I know the gods of the sea,
I think I can help you appease or at least communicate to the one who holds domain over the beast."
When the time to set sail arrives, I'll be under the shore, ready to embark."

"And be obedient to yer Captain?
To Trust in the decisions of your Captain?
To plunder, pillage and indulge in piracy and other unlawful acts for your Captain?!"

"Of course! I don't mind any of that, so long as you allow me to leave something to offer back to the depths."



I've always been told, in order to be recognized as a Pirate Captain, you needed firstly a ship, then a crew, and then some plunder. My ship is my home, my crew are whom are willing and fitting to join the employ, plunder is mere bootie. But I dont think that really means one is a Captain. I've met many Captains in Roaingshore, harden ones, brutal ones. Each had their own concept, ways on how they go about certain things. But one thing they all had in common was that their cared deeply for their crew. As a bartender that serves these crewmen and Captains, I've come to care deeply for my patrons. And the entire village are my main customers. And something, or someone is out there beyond the reef, threatening those very patrons. And with the feeling in my bones, with the murderous thoughts in my mind, I will not have it. To bring harm to my patrons, is to bring harm to me. And to me..that is a transgression. I may not be a real Pirate Captain, but by bloody hells, I wont stand around while my patrons get waylaid at sea. What ever the possible troubles or danger..I do this ...



For the Shore.

Whispers, Abominations, Demons..

“Men who fear demons,
see demons everywhere.
The more perfect a person is on the outside,
the more demons they have on the inside”





I've often wondered how come when mortals want things, their only option is to make a deal with Hell and sell their soul? Why can’t they make deals with Gods in exchange for good behavior? I've had my fair share dealing with devils, and I bloody hate it. Numerous times, they've tried to capture me to be bound to them one form or another. In truth of all the attempts, there was one that was successful. It was a clever one. But I manage to have it destroyed before it could reveal ...too much.

But Demons...those are something else. Beings of utterly wanton wickedness, demons were cruel and savage, without compassion or empathy and unfamiliar with concepts like fear or mercy. Every thought that crossed their minds was tainted by hate and malice, each believing that only its own desires were important. They despised benevolence and sought to tear down order, because first and foremost, demons existed to spread chaos and evil, and all other activities served this ultimate goal of sowing strife and disorder. And one had whispered in my ear. I seen it not but only a feint silhouette of a shapely woman and large bat like wings. I think I know damn well what it bloody was. But what dangerous game was this one playing?







It left without any other words besides "There you are." and I not even sure it was directing it to me. But it wasn't alone, and it left some of its minions , friends or some created abomination made of flesh. And it was formidable. If there's some things to had learned that night in Ulgoths Beard, its how to kill that walking pile of flesh, and how one shouldnt pick up a random box of chocolates, and also, the Watchmen in Ulgoths Beard are bloody cowards, at least the ones I've met.




The last time I've had any sort of dealings with things from the Abyss, I've seen horrors unlike anything before. And without Magic...mundane means is useless. I'm going to have to find me a mage..and not just any mage, one that is proficient with demons.

And I know just where to find one...

Know'n Thyself



“Until you make peace with who you are,
you'll never be content with what you have.”





I have realized it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That I see and feel who I really am, the most! I think that's what a comet is like, you see, a comet is born in the outer realms of the universe! I enjoy taking myself out of my own element, my own comfort zone, and hurling myself out into the unknown. Because it's during those scary moments, those unsure steps taken, I discover a smile I didn't know I had, I uncover a feeling that I didn't know existed in me... I see myself.





*He lifts up the letter that was send to him and re reads the words and signature with a look of disbelief yet with an expression of humbleness. The words plain as the ink itself, yet in his mind he was repeating the first sentence of words over and over. Along his thoughts the man wondered if the letter meant they were trusting in him? Had it finally come to a point they fully accepted him as one of them?*

Life is like a game of chess. To win you have to make a move. Knowing which move to make comes with insight and knowledge, and by learning the lessons that are gained along the way. Some journeys are far longer than others, but the longer ones do tend to have a far greater reward at the end. I will find out what happened, I will return with what ever information needed. I will use every available resource I have. Ending this threat has now become a serious priority, not because of what it threatens, not because its a thing that must be done, nor is it because it helps with business. Nay I say. It's because, its now a given task, and with any given task, it must be done by any means necessary. Not having to think on what I must do, but being instructed to what needs to be done,..that is my comfort zone, that is standing within my element.

Crossing Waters





“A thousand
known enemies
are better than one
unknown enemy.”





"They kilt him, they got Firestorm, no small name that one...who ever did it...needs to pay in blood."


*As the man took his walk through the thick fog, his keen eyes glanced around watching flickering movements. His thoughts heavily. Was it really an enemy? New or old? Moonlight ...Hunter Ships..."Just what the bloody hells did those words mean" *he said under his breath. Anxiety coursed through his veins, waiting for word from the High Captains or the High Admiral himself. What would be the orders?..what would they have the rest of us do?*





It wasn't a great large beast. It wasn't some unnatural force. It was another ship. A ship that had attacked Captain Firestorm. This was transgression, this was conflict, and this was an opportunity. An opportunity to establish my worth. However...if they took down Captain Tavier Melvez... an infamous pirate with decades of experience as a pirate, known for his particularly brutal methods, then I would have to bring even more brutal methods to this enemy. The question is, what will it mean for me? Will this do it? Will this push me to a point of no return? Will I have cross the line? I'm already cursing for death to the enemies to the many pirates. I'm already trying to lead them on with inspirational cheers of vengeance.





Boundaries are boundaries set by those that establish their own limits of morals. I'm a man of code, a man of morals. I will kill a man but for reasons, even if paid too. Where will this all take me? If I need to measure to a Captain like Firestorm or even beyond. The hired hands, the gathering crew..what of them? This enemy could very well be some anti pirate ship. A ship filled with righteous lots. If they are...if its expected of us...I will have to stop them, capture them, imprison them...may even kill them. Can I do it? Will I cross the line that throws out my morals for the sake of brutality for vengeance that isn't mine? Will I cross the waters in representation of Roaringshore?





Of course I can, after all, I'm the Feng Bearer...

Hunters



“Confidence is like a dragon where,
for every head cut off,
two more heads grow back.
If we don't fight for what we 'stand for' with our passionate words and honest actions,
do we really 'stand' for anything?”

"In the night, when the moon was at its highest, the crew of The Kraken's Bane had noticed a fog seeping in from the north. Thick and opaque, the half orc Captain Narragh had ordered a full turn around to avoid the fog. But as they turned, two ships had burst out of the fog and arrows and ballista bolts were flying towards The Kraken's Bane. The chase was on."

"I was right, it wasn't a beastie..." *The bartender whispered more so to himself as he listened to the tale of what transpired in the most recent attacks, attacks on pirates. And not just any pirates, they were...Roaringshore Pirates.

"Ballista bolts, enchanted with magic, hit the masts and exploded, shattering the base, slowing the ship down. Suddenly, Larry had said, as the larger of the two chasing ships came close a blinding light as if from the moon itself scorched through the fog, setting the ship on fire with blue-white flames. Many sailors had wailed in pain from being blinded and burned by the light, and some threw themselves in the sea to escape the radiant onslaught."

"Ballista bolts enchanted with magic...two ships gave chase..like a blinding light..blue white flames..blinded and burned by the light.." *The bartender repeated in a low whisper, trying to take in the revelation. His mind was racing, he was repeating to himself everything he thought that was important to remember. He had to anticipate, he had to prepare, he needed counter measures.*

"The chasers took the cargo of The Kraken's Bane; Almost 50 slaves and much loot, and then they left The Kraken's Bane and its crew for dead."

*The bartender exchanged words with Captain Pike, the second boss of the tavern known as the Broken Goblet. He told Pike he was going to hand the bar over to him. He pulled off his apron and walked towards the door that led to the jakes. It felt like his movement's was in slow motion, every detail he had just heard was being repeated in his head. The air was filled with smoke and the reek of drinks, but this night it felt ominous.* "Two ships.." *He muttered. He anticipated one, not two. After unlocking the rear door of the tavern, he headed down towards the docks. The nights air was thick, was it just him, or did the fog seem far more thicker of late? Once he reached the docks, he walked to the far edge and peered out into the horizon trying to see his ship beyond the reef, but the fog was too thick in the night. He soon boarded the rowboat and set course to his own ship. Later when he boarded the Sparrowhawk, he examined his harpoons. Mundane they were, and surely not enough. But then something came to his mind, he knew then what he had to do. He suddenly muttered out* "By the Gods lass, I will have to kiss you when you return!" *He quickly made his way to his quarters followed by pulling out a quill and parchment. He was going to have to spend a lot of coins. But as he was writing out his letter, three sentences repeated in his mind..the words of a dead man from a couple of days before.*

"Ship in the moonlight."
"Hunter ship in the moonlight."
"Ship in the moonlight..."

*I knew now a good level of what he might face, he need to get the right people, people that would not shy from brutal murder. People that wouldn't pause in hesitation due to good morals. He needed people that will do what needs to be done, by any means necessary.* "About 50 slaves..." *And he still needed to return the captured pirates, pirates that were like him who enjoyed the ways of the Shore. Pirates that cherished being freemen and women of Roaringshore. *

Walking Towards Darkness



"Sometimes a man has to do,
what a man has to do,
when he has to do it."





The path was cold, freezing like the very aura with each step closer. The stones beneath my boots were old stone yet black if not for the piling snow. The exterior walls tall and fitting for giants. A sudden realization dawned on me, "This sight is becoming familiar".





Had I been in the comfort of the Broken Goblet , I would say treading in this cold as I am now, is quite dreadful. Everything about this place is dreadful. But I need to endure because I needed a mage, and I need one that I could trust.


"Hello, Sel. What can I help you with?"




Of course people would consider me a fool for trusting anything Zhentarim, and the Dreadmistress at that. But I would tell them, "At least she's consistent and I know where she stands". In truth, I've begun to grow tired in playing silly games with those that switch morals and belief's like idiots that change their drinks. Those with no sense of loyalty to whom and what they are. They play the game of intrigue, they play the game of deception. But what they dont know is that I've played it far longer than all of them.




"I dont quite got the stuff to know what I'm encountering,..Its in line with ..demon's...and finding a mage isn't an easy thing ..fer me ."

*She leans back in her seat, looking down at him. Without her characteristic mask, Sel can see a tattoo of a vertically-slanted third eye on her forehead.* "No? There's a whole temple of them in Baldur's Gate. Mages at Candlekeep. Not too hard to find, and certainly closer to Roaringshore."

"Closer maybe, helpful to me.." *He shakes his head* "..also a maybe..if not doubtful. You on the other hand..well..lets just say, I found it more proper that I came to you instead. I have one other thing to show in regards" *He started to pull out a small box*

"Where did you get this box? What's in it?" *The woman leaned forth from her large throne of thorns that branched out like many entwined dry roots from a patch of dead trees.*

"Found it in Ulgoths Beard..dont know if anything is in it, didn't check.." *After setting the box down on the ground, he slightly kicked it forth, clearly not trusting the box or what might even be within it.* "..wasn't intending too after what happen to the other person when they merely touched the blimey thing. What I can tell you is..what happened...."

*The crimson glare stared at the man* "And why should I help you with this? What are you offering?" *She leaned back*

"Its only an opportunity Mistress..."

"So you're offering... nothing."

"......name yer price."

"Do you have a ship? Or is it just the bar?"

*He blinks then raises a brow* "I work at the bar...and I ..do have a ship..." *He tilts his head slightly* "Why is that of ..interest?"


Rich people show their appreciation through favors. When everyone you know has more money than they know what to do with, money stops being a useful transactional tool. So instead you offer favors. Deals. Quid pro quos. Things that involve personal involvement rather than money. Because when you're that rich, your personal time is your limiting factor.





And like all favors, be it through payments or any other agreeable terms, often are the root of a new bond. Some bonds are made to be severed, others seem inseparable. Few that is far to dangerous of ever becoming. As I made my leave walking down the narrow corridor, I couldn't help but wonder...





"One thing before I go...if this .........appears to me again..wots the best way to ..avoid any ...unfortunate things?"

"Don't sleep with it."
"It will kill you and eat your soul."
"Better that you don't let it touch you at all."

..."Bugga." ..
"Guessin I owe yer fer that.".

"You're welcome."

"Farewell Mistress"


A woman surely needs to be very ambitious, if having a large army with magical beasties that lives within a big black castle and owns many territories still thirsts for more. Such a woman surely is a scary woman. Some say Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings. If those words were true, why do I feel like I'm the only one seeing this woman's wings?

Silence Before Another Storm



Narrowed dark brown eyes gazed off at the horizon. The wind blew aggressively like it was just another common day. But the thoughts that ran into to the mind of the man wasn't common at all. No thoughts of rum, carouse nor even the indulgence of his usual fun. However instead he seemed like a man of focus. The threats to the pirates was something he took seriously. To say he had it easy in Roaringshore was surely a false claim, but what is true is that its his home and he's grown to love it. Someone or some people were out there beyond the seas, threatening others. Others that also make the Shore their home, and he wasn't going to tolerate it.



Aye aye the place were transgressors hang even after the crows picked their bones was the very place he did call home. He had ideal of the threats, he knew what he lacked and what he was going to need. But he was a man of resources, a man with ties and connections that did spread far and wide. He knew what he had to go do however the question was, would he be successful?



Was it this very knowledge of Roaringshore pirates being attacked that was bringing out this coldness? Or was it something personal? Or was it merely just a tired man, that was loosing patience with the world? What made pirates embrace the brute attitudes, that aggression? The stone faced bitterness? When a man has a gift in speaking the truth, brute aggression is no longer his security blanket for approval. He, on the contrary, spends most of his energy trying to tone it down because his very nature is already offensive enough.



From my experience in this very pirate village that I've come to love, I will say this..I've seen fun, I've seen pleasures, I've seen joy, and even romance. I've seen brutal actions, harsh and cold deeds and I am knowing that I will come to experience more. I've had many years filled with many days and nights worthy of great memories, and such days will come again. But firstly..to those that have been attacking our people of the Shore...they need to be dealt with by a vengeful hand.

Taverns



In a world filled with dragons, magic, demons and devils, was a land filled with good and evil. At times they would war with each other subtlety or openly. But within this very world there was always taverns. You see a tavern whether one to rest in, or one to eat in, or one to drink in, they each had one thing in common. Patrons. No one tavern is ever just...a tavern. Their more than a place with barmaids that entice customers to drink, their more than desk or bar with its keepers. If you sit back, and closely watch the many elements that make up a tavern, you will see many things take fruit right before your eyes.

*Stepping into the tavern, the completely normal sized and not at all small tiefling rolled her shoulders, squinting into the dim light wherein she spied some faces familiar. Her hand raised, wriggling its ashen digits.*

"I still need..." *He paused then glances over his shoulder slowly * "Well well..wot do we have here?.." *His eyes glances the figure up and down* "Oi Rat, do we always get visitors around this time ol day? Thats twice already around this time that it seems we do."

*She shakes her head at Oona, then looks to Sel* Rat wouldnt-no know... sometimes we-we do.... But Rat tends to-to keep to-to Self..."

*Amusement etched its way into the tiefling's ashen countenance, mirth manifest in the melody of light-hearted laughter as she moved to take the proffered seat.* "A while been since last seen, how faring?"

*He nods to the others as he takes his usual spot at the end of the bar* "A luskan black, please."

"Luskan black" *She twitches then looks to Oona* "And a-a wine for-for you...?"

*She sets the small crate down near Emmanuel, so it can be easier for her to serve him, she waves to him then looks to Sel*

"I have spoken to the Enclave." *He nods* "If you would like to become one of our number again, you will be allowed to do so."

*Her smile warmed at that and she gave a small nod.* "Under consideration taken, haven for the woodland, demanding little; she'll speak with he later to make it official." *With that, the goblet was lifted to her lips, a note adrift for its indulge.*

"Wot is the cause of this ...bad fish in the water that appears to trend from the Gate to the Beard?" *He looks at Emmanuel*

"One thing that is a . . . hindrance, is that there are those of us in the Enclave who have long memories."

"Hello Rat, I was not aware you were employed here. I would like a whisky neat please" *Smiles*

*She looks to Him* "And rat has a-a long memory too yes-yes.... *She nods to Darragh and steps down, looking for a whiskey* "Rat remebers you-you threatened my-my family.... Rat hasnt-no done anything... but what-what is the expression....? *She picks out a bottle* Water uner the-ther bridge.... why-why fight over something stupid-dumb... "

"My thanks" *Leaves a coin for the drink and a coin for the tip*



*Takes a seat at the bar with a squeaking rat in between his green mits*

*He raises a brow then glances at the rat* "Oh oh..."

*Stuffs the rat in his mouth and chews it. The squeak goes silent*

*Her eye widens* "A-a Rat-kin! *She still stands on the box behind the bar, her smile instantly goes away*
"Passin thru eh? Where yer headed?"

"Lookin to catch a tieflin'." *Gulps it down* Another pint.*

*He raises a brow then glances at Rat* "Wot sort ol ...tiefer?"

*She takes out her blade and aims it at the orc*

*Looks to Yuutsu* Not here.

Put the-the Rat-kin down now-now... Or Ill gut you-you... *She twitches and angrily stares at the orc, hisses could be heard from her*

*He leans forth on the bar, grabbing his rum downing another swig before wiping his mouth with his sleeve.* "Only female grey tiefer thats ugly that I've seen nae come around here. Dont recall the name, but she surely dont speak common that I remember"

*Sits back trying to give off a 'don't f with me' look and soaks up the conversations... he's trying to pick up any chatter regarding a demonic mouth at the bottom of the sea and associated spookiness popping out of the ocean*"A bottle for Billy and one for the table over there."

*Smiles at the two* Yay free drinks!

*He points a shaking finger at Ree* "Oi yer little bugger! Thats the only time yer little arse comes around when its the evenin and the first rounds free! yer cheap halflin!"

*Smiles brightly at him* Cheap?! Hah, its called taking advantage of opportunity! So whatcha two been up too while I was gone!"

"Avoid at all cost, she has the ability to see a persons true heart, knows if their evil or wot not. One of the reasons that Lykah fled, not really my concern. But just avoid that winged thing..dont want it flippin yer skirt if you get my meanin. But the newest thing..is this tiefling..remember..Grey skin, female, facial markings, ugly , has a tail..and is in possession of some book."

"... you a..." *looks down at the note* "Sea Hound? Billy's been hearing stories about some big spookydemon mouth..."

Solaris Cult, Master Strategist and Tactician, former Chief Tactical Officer of the DragonWing before Aiden Thatcher turned it into a floating brothel, Slayer of the Red Sorceress and Hero of the Battle of Beregost during the Amn-Gate War, Nathan Goldenmane's consort, Servant of the Frost Maiden, and reigning Arse Champion of the Sword Coast. A pleasure to grace you with my presence Kal!

*He barks a laugh* "There yer go, yer dun got Frosty introduction"

"Posted up at Ulgoth to see if panned out, but all they got is Fist and Tables. Whats a Sea Hound?"

"Sounds like a crew to me, maybe even a Ship. *He lifts a hand then looks at Billy* "Why yer lookin for the Sea Hound anyways?"



"You sure that child can drink?'

*Looks at Butcher* So like, are you asking to get your arse kicked or what? Keep calling me a child and you'll end up in floating face down in the water."

"You seriously boiling over?"

"Fight fight fight!"

"I think you two should settle this downstairs .. in the PIT"

"perhaps another time and another day"

*She looks and takes a bottle of mead, Wine both sweet and spicy, bitter root and a rum, she carries them all in her arms*

*She points at him* "knock off the 'child' shite then."

"What do you get when a paladin meets a ghost face killer at night?"

"A dead paladin?"

"Good guess but no."

"Then this joke BETTER end with the paladin dead"

"Oh there been word there was quite a handful of dead paladins recently in the Gate, something about bad water" *He looks up* "Holy hells..look what the fog brought in!"




HEY GABE!!

You all missed Zenk, yes? Wished to see him every day, yes?

*He points a shaking finger at Zenk* "Yer disappearing mage arse dont know how to stay put! Atleast yer aint lost weight like Butcher. He looks thin fer some reason"




Glares, threats, laughter, intrigue, Information, rumors, and sometimes even romance. A tavern is so much more that just a tavern. There is no such joy in the tavern as upon the road thereto. The lover drinks and the cup-bearer pours. The lover thinks but the cup-bearer knows, love begets love. Since this rum is love,
then this cup is love, then this tavern is love, then this life is love.

And I love the Broken Goblet.

Ambush!












There comes a time a person either needs to ambush a creature or a person and experience the very nature of it. Unfortunately other times their experience is on the opposite end. Being the mark that is being ambushed. I've experienced both side of such a coin and many times over. In my opinion, both is quite stimulating.







*Something was coming* "....One..two..three...too many." *Three dark silhouettes emerged from the tree line, with the soul purpose to render him dead. He side stepped evading the first raking claw, he pivoted as he drew forth a wand and tumbled away from the second forms attack. The sudden mist filled the area concealing himself buying him the time he needed to draw his blades.*







*Large black claws raked at air for a figure that was there but no longer. Blades sliced and cut deeply drawling forth howls of pain and anger. The three doppelgangers came with more ferocity with the single intent to kill the bartender. But he wasn't a common bartender. He kept up the defense with parries and dodging claws. Within the thick cloud it was far too difficult for the three doppelgangers to strike a hit while they were in a state of anger. But the human was at ease, at calm, every move calculating. The skirmish soon turned like the direction of the winds in a hurricane. Parries and dodges converted into the aggressive dance. Legs and arms were priority targets to slow the attacking creatures. And once the pace became his, he became the shrouding death.*







*Screams and screeches of howling pain erupted and disturbed the nature around them along the Lions Way. Blood spilled and streamed from various cuts and gashes. One by one the numbers became thin, dying with precision as the unseen attacks came from nowhere. The thick mist caused the doppelgangers to attack blindly, often mistaken a tree for the man they were intent to kill. Brows cut, and whatever type of blood that ran through their veins was now pouring into their eyes, disrupting their visibility even more than the mist. Calculating...precision....*

*There was no witness or none that he had seen. The three bodies of doppelgangers were soon dragged into a nearby bush. "No need to cause panic on the roads" he thought. Dark brown eyes glared at the three bodies with a grim expression. He couldn't help but feel this was no random encounter. He glances around trying to spot an abomination of flesh or flying demons, or a portal. None was found so he decided to continue the path heading towards Beregost where he will make a quick stop before heading to the far reach of Neshkal. Giving one last look over his shoulder, he uttered..*







"Doppelgangers, box of chocolates with initials, demons, succubus, flesh golems , portals..just wot in the nine hells are they doing besides making the roads darker?"


DM Verjigorm

Resilience



“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”



Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient. Or so it's said. Resistance isn't a thing that comes naturally, one must train and work such elements in order to endure more in which they wanted to be resistant too. Resilience is somewhat different. It's accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good.

"I know you as the bartender that only seems to enjoy his rum or indulge in fun. But ...oddly I think there's more."
There's far more indeed but only few knows such revelations.

*He twitches his nose then waved a flailing hand in the air.* "Non sense! Yer get wot yer see before you, a plundering black gutted scoundrel. Savvy?"

"Sometimes I wish the world was flipped. Why must some of us hide in whom we really are?"

"Oh that's easy, yer see around this side of the coast, many are thrilled to reveal others truest darkest of secrets. Pitiful habit if yer ask me."

"I want to know you. Or is it, your really just a regular man that seeks only to have fun?"
That comes at a cost, in which your not ready.

"Wot ? And be like many others walkin about miserable tryin to save the world or own it?" *He scoffs* "I find it more entertaining sitting back watching their attempts."






The one thing about people, is you dont really know them unless you first know their history .Some have a far longer history than others. But its in my experience, the longer the history ,the more that it makes sense on why a person is. But sometimes like I told someone.."Somethings are never to be revealed nor shared. For some sins are too great for anyone's understanding." In our world of magic and might, valor and wickedness. Nearly everyone beholds a sin, far too great to allow it to be revealed to anyone but themselves. Sometimes, the foolish ones, even think to hide their sins against their own gods, oblivious that all is already known. Everyone was faced with a situation where they had the opportunity to resist , to be resilient. Some has the Fortitude and the Will to endure from falling in the barrel of mistakes and regrets. But others..often fail such attempts or leaped forth basking in their sins with intent giving no resistance, offering no resilience.

"I heard Beregost has a thing for tiefers, is that true?"

"Aye the tiefling hated bastards"

"That man said he was goin to hunt down every remaining Blackrose left."

"Oh yer talking about that man Thistle? Aye, I remember , the bugger turned on his own House, surrendered everything to the Lords Alliance during the Zhent Wars. I was there at the Court hearing, they cut one of his hands off they did. " *Nod nod* "And since that Paladin Aaron vouched and said he could be redeem if yer call it that , they said anything that Amos fella does, will reflects on Aaron as if it was his own doing. "

Sounds like an easy off to me. That's some bullshit for redemption.

He gave up his own family, the Vanguards even sent his daughter to the Abyss. He was going to see every Blackrose eliminated.

"So much fer brotherly love."

The family blood runs in his veins but dont mistaken that traitor. He's no brother.

Think his eyes on the old Fort.

"Eh? Hmph good luck with that. Them northern Orc bloods shitting all over it now . Its there's now, or wots left ol it."

Aye, it was Tarina's doing.

"Eh? Tarina the Dreadmistress? That was her doin? Well she got all them orcs fer allies."

History, pasts, what once was, ...such the words and phrase that can lead to define a persons present and future. And no matter whom they are, everyone carries a sin far too great to be told. No matter how resilient they think they are. The human capacity for burden is like bamboo-far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance. But not everyone is a bloody human.

"Breath"





“I cannot let you burn me up, nor can I resist you.
No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.”






Sometimes, a persons soul feels too entrapped within the body. The urge to burst forth to feel its pleasure of freedom can be overwhelming. Everyone cages something within their chests. They lie if they speak otherwise. We all have it. That urge, that need. A person wont truly understand the feeling, unless they themselves has experience being confined, entrapped, restricted. If I was to rate it, such a feelin is the most frustrating feeling in the world.





Other than roses. For the representation of a rose has its own annoyance. Such a pretty thing with its green stem and leaves with the bright crimson crown. Women tend to take such a thing as a gift. But most women wont even see the mockery within the representation a man has about roses. You see, other than the alluring prettiness of a rose, it has thorns, sometimes far to many. Men that ever considers a woman a rose, is saying, that woman is a beauty they wish to hold within their hands forever. But due to the thorns, they cant. The risk of pain, the risk of blood being draw, the risk of damage. That is why some of us consider some women... a rose.





You want it, its attractive, you have the urging to grasp hold and merely take it to be your own. But the threat is very real, the thorns are stern, and sometimes far too many to endure. But what does one do when their urge is far too greater than their intelligence? Well..a person can look, but not touch, reach but not grasp, smell but not taste. Anything more, are just dreams , dreams that will forever remain wanting thoughts and visions of what could be, what may be, what isn't, Good thing I'm not one of those boring persons.





I like the thrill, the stimulating feeling that beats within my chest and pumps the life in my veins. Its exhilarating. intense, breathless yet alive. Any successful man or woman will tell you, they did not reach their level in status without taking risks, without reaching for what was considered the impossible. Nae, they thought out of the box, they reached forth and set goals no matter how large or small or many. Each goal accomplish brought them closer..closer...closer.





While others walk about with pitiful misery on their faces and feel like they are carrying the worlds burdens on their shoulders, I will continue being me. That Plunderin', pillagin', voluptuous love'n, rum drinking, black gutted weaselly, scoundrel of a pirate. After all mate,





I'm having fun. Are you?

Valyxia




Earlier down the Lions Way....




"What the ..

"RRAAAAWWWRRR!"

*The Lions Way was known to have Hill giants and common Ogres. But this day, these were not common at all. Maybe passerbys heard the grunts of fighting , the ringing of metal clashing against bones, and the casts of harmful magic*

"Watch out there's another one spell slinging one!

"Ah.. I suppose it was worth a try." *The Ogre mage seeing its companions fall decided it was best to flee, and then so dashed off *

One is escaping!




The pair of adventurers gave chase, but the Ogre had its head start, or perhaps it was merely a trap..



"Its a bloody mess over here..look at all that blood.."

*Suddenly a voice spoke out, soft, seductive, and not supprised.*



"It works every single time."
"It binds you all. Enchants your attention."
"A single felled drop and you all come looking."
"You just can't help yourselves."

"Well...call us curious..sorts.. And whom might we be speaking with ..if you nae mind me asking.." *He said causally*

"Well... blood is the elixir of life as they say... it's easy to attract someone with it...It's a good flytrap, Valyxia... like all your flytraps. Pretty impressive actually.."

"Well I did say curious..not threatening...since we are ...talking..perhaps we can do so ..properly..?"

"Valyxia? You know this person?"

You should listen more closely?

"I know you both."

"The bushes. The boulders. The trees. They are coming. Dance nicely for me."

Wait!

'Oi oi ...wait wait...! *Right away he notices the coming darkness* "Shite...the doppelgangers.." whole place getting dark!

*Gangly figures drop down from the trees, slip out from behind nearby boulders and bushes.* "You...Roaringshore."

You? Who? Me..or you? ...Ooh ..that..wait wait..that wasnt me...!"

"I never thought I would be able to repay you for the inconvenience."

*He leans over to Melek.* "Wasnt that Colds that attacked it?"

Yeah totally. *She nods quickly*

"Lets have a talk ..clear up some um..misunderstanding?" *He looked hopeful*

"That is not what I refer to. But I will teach you. Limb by limb will draw your memory closer to it all."

*He looks at the Doppleganger and smiled* "Oh come on mate..why ..so ..serious? I'm sure..we can ..um..talk about it?"

"Your disgusting skins are vile enough to warrant your deaths even outside of the troubles wrought." *It rears back and lets out a piercing shrill howl. The fog blurs with motion.*

*A whirl of fighting began as the darkness came to shroud of the pair that was to be prey. Dopplegangers came from all sides, rushing to render their flesh apart. Some used their innate abilities and transformed into horned devils, or fire giants. A sound plan, a reasonable tactic. The attack might had even been successful except they miscalculated. Sometimes beings whom ever they may be, knew how to embrace shadows and use it to their advantage.*







*The north path to Beregost heard shrieks and screams that night. Howling of pain and frustration filled the night. What truly happen in such an event, only a couple knew the real details. Because such details consisted of something far more than a mere mischievous succubus, or a group of Doppelgangers.*

"Mysterious"





"As I walk through the ally of darkness,
I feel no evil, for I am in my own domain"





Dark foggy streets, cobbles beneath my feet, alleyways and pathways, for each bend there's a turn, for each turn no torches burn. Such is the streets of the Heapside. An area in the lower parts of the city of Baldur's Gate. Orphans, beggars, slums and knaves fills those very streets. During the day, you can often see, the normal commoners out and about. Not long ago it was plagued by a drug epidemic of great proportions. Many become heavily addicted to the drug known as Crimson Spice. The lower city still suffers from the aftermath in that regard. But to those that had recovered or those that had not indulged themselves to be under such influence, continue forth living their common days and nights in the Heaps. The Lower City does has its own appeal given its consider one of the poorest parts.

"Thank you, handsome," *She gives Sel a wink.*

And I found myself amused watching a street dancer performing for a small crowd. The woman pretty, the dance elegant. Such a woman doing what she felt was necessary to make a few coins, I can commend that and so I did by dropping a few gems in her donation basket. The show however was short lived. Night had befell and the dancer as well as the gathering crowd had all began to depart back to their homes. Such is the way in the Lower City. You see, its like black and white. Its like a world of its own. When the sun is up, workers, commoners, patrols are often seen and the streets are bustling with activity. But the night begins, things change, and the Lower City, begins to even feel different. But this night was more different than any night in the Heaps that I could ever remember. I will never forget this night.




Greetings, Sel. I mean... citizen.

"Wot the ..fok..." *He glances left and right then back to the ..Watch.*

Do mind the language. You are in front of the orphanage. Kids pick up this sort of stuff quickly.

"...Watch huh..." *He looks her up and down.* "How all that .." *He waves a pointing finger at her* "fits..?"

Well, it just does, doesn't it?

"So...like..wheres all your um..patrol routes? The whole city , just in the city? "

The Lower City usually requires more attention.

"Well ..congra'tz on the new job! Proud of ya!" *He grins deviously*

Thank you. It is appreciated. Hopefully the district will be more secure soon. It is a shame that it requires such vigorous patrolling.

*Lovely...just blimey lovely..*.




Satisfaction...there's no feeling in the world like it. It rivals petty annoyances, and those that cant seem to do anything but displease ears. Yapping mouths that cant seem to just stay silence unless a throat is slit. I try not to be bitter, nor resentful. But sometimes people are just people, and they will always displease one way or another. But when you find ones that always makes you feel satisfied, those are the ones you hold dear. And very close to your chest and cherish it like the most valuable gem in the world. However, there is one other feeling that grips me. It always has, always will. Its more enticing than rum, it feels far better than any woman. It's Intrigue. And when a street full of cats all seem to he in the same direction with a purpose, well I've very well intrigued. You see that never fails me. That always pleased me. That feeling of mystery, that feeling of curiosity. And it's always invigorating. Even now I followed the trail, through streets and dark allies to even rooftops.

"Come little cats..what is it that has your attention"

A figure that opens the door that enters a tavern. Common enough. But why does a dozen cats hold their steady gaze in silence, unmoving, watching that very woman? Tick...tock...that's not normal at all. Curiosity stole my heart.

*A wand pulled forth, the device activated and spell triggered sending the man through a dimensional door that allowed him to exit upon the streets below before he entered the tavern.*





"Hi doll, what'll ya have."

*He looks at Sadie* 'No drinks Sadie..but yer happen to see a new face come in here a moment ago?"

"Oh not so much then usual. Though one lass has been making a stir for the ol men, lately. Now now, you interested in that pretty thing too? Am I not enough?" *she jokes.*

"Sadie..yer teeth still black..been black fer years.." *He twitches his nose* "Now about this ..lass yer mention..where she go?"

"Usually she does try to earn a bit of coin here and there."

"Got a name per..haps?"

*She flashes a smile*.

*He nods then reaches into a bag and pulled out a Ruby and handed it over to Sadie with a slight nod* "Keep up the good work luv. Still one of my favorites"

*She hides the gift in between two valleys.*

*He couldn't help but chuckle and slightly shakes his head* "You make me miss this place...tell Guido I said stay in good health, I will return on the morrow"

"You want her to know you are looking for her?"

"Hmm.." *He ponders*"No..I have business in the Lower city, will be around here for another tenday or two. I will frequent. I'm sure I will run into her."

"Alright doll. Good luck."

*I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have lived in and loved and where all your yesteryears are buried deep, leave it any way except a slow way, leave it the fastest way you can. Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead. Passed years seem safe ones, vanquished ones, while the future lives in a cloud, formidable from a distance. The problem is ..which is my true home*

Whaddaya want?

I'd much rather sale else where ..but ..your the closest at the moment."

"Take it or leave it."

"Cheap bastard" "Do something about that belly..."

He slaps his gut. 'Whots wrong with it?"

"Women are good fer business. They attract more men. If the women are not entice to frequent well..bad fer business...git it?"

I'm not starving, as you can tell." He slaps his gut again.

"Oh by the way..."Yer happen to hear any talks about some portal underwater ?

*As he makes his leave through the back entrance and enters the sewers, he was mindful to keep aware of his surroundings. Many thoughts entered his mind, perhaps he was weary, tired, angry. The urge to say to hell with it all and just leave what he grew to love, only to retreat to another decade of solitude. Many people he has met over the past four years, some he will never forget, others he only remembered names or just faces. Things had been different, refreshing. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then decided such thoughts he will save for another day. For now, he needed to get back to the docks. There was still unfinished business to take care of firstly.*




DM Wisp